'Champion Of Women': Democrat Al Franken Resigns Amid Groping Scandal
"Nevertheless, today I am announcing that in the coming weeks I will be resigning as a member of the United States Senate."
Then, as expected, Franken lashed out at President Trump.
"I, of all people, am aware that there is some irony in the fact that I am leaving while a man who has bragged on tape on a history of sexual assault sits in the Oval Office and a man who has repeatedly preyed on young girls campaigns for the Senate with the full support of his party.
"But this decision is not about me. It's about the people of Minnesota. And it's become clear that I can't both pursue the Ethics Committee process and at the same time remain an effective senator for them. Let me mr clear: I may be resigning my seat but I am not giving up my voice," he said.
Franken's lightning fast fall began Wednesday, when six Democratic women in the Senate came out to say they just couldn't stick up for Franken anymore, not after a seventh woman came forward to allege the former comedian had tried to force himself on her sexually.
"While Senator Franken is entitled to have the Ethics Committee conclude its review, I believe it would be better for our country if he sent a clear message that any kind of mistreatment of women in our society isn't acceptable by stepping aside to let someone else serve," Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand said in a statement on Facebook.